MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CAñON CITY
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Need maps? Download a FREE Adventure guide. Or, use the COTrex app to help you navigate the trails in our area. Maps are updated regularly and will even track you as you explore. You can even plan your own routes!
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With over 52 miles of trail in the Royal Gorge Region, mountain bike riders of all abilities will find a trail to their liking. From stunning vistas to flowing downhill trails, the five trail systems in Cañon City have it all. Please adhere to 'Leave No Trace' principles when out on trails, and follow recommendations on our Trail Conditions page. We recommend using a trail map or app to help you navigate. Our maps, along with Trailforks (for example) show the difficulty level of each trail. Green denotes beginner, blue is intermediate, and black means you'll find some challenging technical features and / or significant elevation change.
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Trails in this area are made possible by the generosity of local businesses, our Federal land managers, and the City of Cañon City. Please support our community by staying, shopping, and dining in town. Businesses that support FAR's '1% for Trails' initiative directly contribute to the development and maintenance of trail infrastructure. Additionally, you can offer trail karma by donating to FAR through our PayPal portal. Thank you for your support of trails and outdoor recreation!
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trails by ability
BEGINNERMuttin' Bustin'
System: South Cañon This easy trail on South Cañon is accessible by the Eagle Wing Trailhead and offers flowy, non-technical mileage. Greenhorn / Graneros System: Hogbacks Open Space In the Hogbacks (park at the Floral Avenue Trailhead, you can go 'up' the road to the parking lot), head north on Greenhorn for a nice, wide trail, then head back down Graneros for a great singletrack experience. No tech. Riverwalk System: Riverwalk Wide, crusher-fine trails and a beautiful view of the river. NO technical spots and very little elevation gain. Tunnel Drive System: Riverwalk Park at the Tunnel Drive Trail head and head up the ONE steep hill to go through sweet tunnels and then enjoy a flat ride for up to 2 miles (each way). Out and back only. |
INTERMEDIATEAnticline
System: Oil Well Flats In Oil Well Flats, this trail offers some elevation gain and a few technical points. It's a great introduction to this trail system. Recycle System: South Cañon From the Eagle Wing Trailhead, take Mutton Bustin' to Schepp Ridge, then head out on Recycle to add some mileage, some rollers, and a few technical turns and rock features. Canyon Rim System: Royal Gorge Trails There's not a tremendous amount of elevation gain / loss on this trail, but there are some rock features that are perfect for a learning mountain biker. The views are incredible. |
CHALLENGINGOne Track Mind
System: Royal Gorge Trails From the parking lot on CR3A, it's 1.5 miles to the turnoff to One Track Mind, and then a huge 3 miles to the Trestles (not completed, please exercise caution and kindness to construction workers). Believe us, you'll know what 'Badger Hill' is when you're done. Big climbs, big rewards for this 8-mile total ride. Island in the Sky System: Oil Well Flats Start at the lower parking lot and make your way up to Fire Canyon. From there, climb the backside of Island, catch a RAD view, and then descend the front side (ride clockwise) for some rocky, techy stuff. To finish your ride on feature-heavy MOOve Over, park at the Wellhead Trailhead on Red Canyon Road (a few miles before you reach the Oil Well turnoff). Great Escape System: South Cañon Trails You can either ride the whole of the South Cañon trail system to get to the top of Great Escape, or you can ride up Temple Canyon Road (open to vehicles) to descend this super-fun monster downhill. |
TRAIL SYSTEMS AT A GLANCE
SOUTH CANON
Distance: 10 miles total
Drive time from town: 5 minutes Discover flowy, easier trails close to town, or try to master the technical climb of Hard Time and the sweet downhill of Great Escape. Park at the Eagle Wing trailhead to warm up on Mutton Bustin', then head uphill (south) to the more difficult trails. It's even possible to ride up Temple Canyon Road (open to vehicular traffic) and descend the entirety of Great Escape - a wicked fun downhill section. Connect to Section 13 for additional mileage. 
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ROYAL GORGE
Distance: 18 miles total
Drive time from town: 25 minutes If you're looking for some of the most awe-inspiring views in Colorado, the Royal Gorge Trails will deliver. Mountain bikers of all ages and abilities will find that he trails offer stunnind views and plenty of options. But there aren't any 'flat'options here. You'll find plenty of opportunities to climb and descend. Our favorite downhills are: Dream Weaver and Twisted Cistern. The newest trail - One Track Mind - leads adventurous bikers (it's an 8-mile out and back from the CR3A parking lot) to the refurbished Point Alta Vista Trestles, which will be completed in Spring of 2020.
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OIL WELL FLATS
Distance: 13 miles total
Drive time from town: 20 minutes Oil Well Flats is a BLM-operated trail system located about 10 miles outside of town. Use the main trialhead to access the entire system, including beginner to advanced trails. The main parking area is off of Red Canyon Road (look for the big sign), but smaller parking areas are accessible by dirt road throughout. The iconic view from Island In the Sky is worth the climb. (Be sure to climb the backside - blue - and descend the frontside - black - for optimal ride enjoyment.)
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